Neville wants Quad Series boost ahead of World Cup

Tracey Neville has one last chance to fine tune her England team in the Quad Series, before attempting to win the World Cup for the first time this summer.

England take on New Zealand in Liverpool tomorrow, and South Africa and Australia next weekend in London, in what will be their final international matches before bidding to back up Commonwealth success with World Cup glory.

“We always say we’re on a journey and the most important thing for us is consistency of results,” Neville, the head coach, said. “So, this is a huge opportunity leading into the World Cup to build the confidence of the team and maximise having all the players together. Our aim has always been the World Cup.”

New Zealand’s failure to win a Commonwealth medal for the first time prompted major upheaval and the Silver Ferns face Neville’s side with a new coach and muchchanged side.

“We’ve beaten New Zealand five of the last eight times,” said Neville. “But I don’t think you can ever rest on your laurels. They have had a big turnaround and Sunday will be a really tough game.”

England attacker Natalie Haythornthwaite said the Quad Series was a chance to prove their Commonwealth triumph over Australia was no fluke.

“We want to start beating the Aussies regularly,” she said.